Samuel (Sammy) Parry was born in Flint in 1894 and baptised at St Mary’s Parish Church on 10th October, 1894. He was the ninth of 12 children to William Parry and Ann Jane (Roberts).

William was born in Gronant and Ann Jane in Flint and they were married in the Holywell Registration District in 1878.

They lived for a number of years in 41, Swan Street, Flint, and then for some reason by 1901 had moved next door to No 43, and then 10 years later they were living at No 63. William was a labourer at the chemical works and Samuel was a Cotton winder at the Mercerisers’ Works, Holywell Road.

Samuel enlisted in Flint at the start of the war, first with the 10th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, No 14650 then eventually transferred to the labour Corps. His regiment was posted to France and landed there on 28th September, 1915 where he was wounded in action and died on 8th April, 1918. He was buried in Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France (Plot I, Row K, Grave 21).

His death was reported in the County Herald on 19th April.

A communication has been received by Mr and Mrs Parry from a chaplain to the battalion, who stated that Private Parry died soon after receiving his wounds; and that he sent his deepest sympathy, and hoped that the thought of the glorious nature of his (the son’s) death would be of some comfort to the parents in their distress. The remains had been interred in the cemetery, and a cross would be erected over his grave; and the reverend gentleman also expressed the hope that the parents would see that the name of their son would be placed on the Roll of Honour in that parish. A letter written to the matron of a Casualty Clearing Station, and dated the 18th instant, informed the parents that their son was admitted into that station suffering from gunshot wounds in the legs, thigh, and right foot; and that though everything possible was done for him, he passed away peacefully. She had informed Private Parry that she was writing to his parents to say that he was being looked after, and he, she states, requested his love should be sent to all at home with the statement that he was all right. The interment of the remains was accorded military honours; and the remains now lay besides those of some of his comrades.

He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal and is remembered on three war memorials – Flint Town; St Mary’s Parish Church, Flint and Oddfellows Hall, Flint. He is also commemorated on the North Wales Heroes’ Memorial Arch, Bangor and is remembered on his parent’s headstone in Northop Road Cemetery (Grave 1, Line 10, South Side).

Ann Jane died suddenly on 2nd October, 1923, aged 66. Her obituary remarked that she was highly respected.

William died on 18th April, 1926.

Obituary: On Sunday morning the death took place somewhat suddenly at his residence, 63, Swan Street, of an old and highly respected resident in the person of Mr W. Parry. The deceased, who was 67 years of age had been ailing for several months. His wife pre-deceased him about three years ago. Mr Parry was employed at the United Alkali Works at Flint, and was foreman in the Weldon’s department on his retirement. He was a faithful member of St Catherine’s Welsh Church, and a member of the Flint Castle Lodge of Oddfellows, the flag at the Oddfellows’ Hall being flown at half-mast out of respect for him. He leaves a grown up family. The funeral took place at Flint Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, in the presence of a large gathering of relatives and friends.

In the same grave as William and Ann Jane is their son Joseph Henry, who died in September, 1902 aged 6 months, and William’s sister, Priscilla Davies, who died in December, 1932 aged 69.

IN MEMORIUM

Far from his home and loved ones,Laid to rest in a foreign land,Never more shall our eyes behold him,Never more shall we clasp his hand.

‘Tis only those who have lost can tell,
The pain of parting without a farewell.

Our thoughts oft wanderTo a sad and lonely grave,For his name is often spokenIn the home he died to save.